Levski Sofia will face AEK in the Champions League play-offs after securing a 1-0 victory over Kairat in Almaty. The Bulgarian side built on their 1-0 first-leg win in Sofia to seal qualification for the next phase of the tournament.
AEK will travel to Bulgaria for the first leg on August 18. Levski will then play the return leg at Nea Filadelfeia on August 26, with both teams competing for a place in the Champions League League Phase.
Following their elimination, Kairat will enter the Europa League play-offs. The Kazakh club will await the winner of the tie between PAOK and Anderlecht.
Early goal and initial pressure
Levski lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and took control of the match from the opening whistle. The visitors moved the ball well and created their first opportunity in the 10th minute, when Everton Bala saw his shot turned away by Kairat goalkeeper Anarbekov.
Three minutes later, Levski scored the goal that effectively secured their progress. Reinaldo made an individual move outside the penalty area before finishing past the goalkeeper to put Levski 1-0 ahead.
Kairat attempted to respond through long-range shots and individual efforts, but failed to create clear chances. Levski continued to create opportunities, with Reinaldo shooting wide in the 41st minute and Everton Bala missing the target in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time.
Post hit twice in second half
Levski maintained total control after the break and came close to doubling their lead in the 51st minute, when a powerful shot from Reinaldo struck the goalpost.
Although the tempo of the match dropped, Levski continued to threaten in open space. Serginho hit the post with another powerful effort in the 67th minute.
Kairat pushed forward in the closing stages, but Levski goalkeeper Vutsov produced excellent saves in the 78th and 82nd minutes to keep a clean sheet and confirm the victory.
